Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-10-23

any inquiry of Sir Brisco Braybrook
about the character or movements of hi
nephew, the recreant Hussar; and beins
| full, perhaps, of his own affairs, engage.
ments and amusements, the vicar never
spoke on the subject of Amy's engage.
ment, ii, indeed, he knew much about it
and though not extraordinarily meek, DR.
Brendon shrank from the taunt of having
perhaps attempted TO entrap his patrons
nephew.
CHAPTER XXVu.-PRESSURE.
In the accounts OF the troops detailed
for the Burmese Expedition. Melaine
could find no trace Of Lonsdale's name;
but then, in rank he was only unir Is
such force; and it never occurred to heI
to examine an Army List. Indeed, she
could not have got one nearer than the
Library at Ravensbourne Hall, the last
place where she would have ventured tc
seek it; so she could but marvel over his
silence, till her heart grew sick and heI
brain grew weary.
There seemed but two solutions-deatl
or infdelity.
Yet she shrsnk in her soul from accept
ing either. Lonsdsle faithless? Oh no!
While life remained she was sure az
would be true to her; and if dead-oh no.
not that-Great Heaven!
The light of blessed hope still burned
in the sad heart Of the girl.
But now cruel and systematic pressure
was put upon her by Uncle GrimshaR,
who seemed to be in earnest about the
removal of her brother Reginald, whom
he more than once tainted as being "one
Of the Queens bad bargsins,D
"KnoWing Reggie's miserable story as
you do, and how he is martyr to Cir
cumstances," she said with flashing eyes,
and with difficulty restraining her tears,
Chow can you be so rude-so unjust,
uncle?"
"Do not mind him, dear" said Reggie,
gently. "The sooner we part the better.
AS sure IS Mother CArey's chickens
bring the breeze it will come to that in
the end"
81 an glad you are fully prepared,
young man, rs your sister declines to cid
me in your support" remarked Uncle
Grimshaw, with a malicious twinkle in
his white-lashed eyes; and he somewhat
ostentatiously pursued his examination
of certain advertisements OF ia Housef6r
Cripples," ga Home for Incurables,"
can Orthopodic Hospital" and so forth,
filling the heart OF Melanie with shame,
grief and indignation. q
SIT shall never come to that, Reggie,'
said she, with an arm round his neck. sf'I
will take situation Of some kind, l
shall work for you-work mys6ng gers to
the bone, rather than this resuK should
be-tnis cruel outrage come to pass"
"And are you to think of such g. thing,
Melanie, while lie idly here, unable to
assist or protect your" exclaimed Reggie,
writhing on his couch. "I would rather
be sent from grating to leeWard, with q
couple OF cold shot at my heels. The
very idea makes me miserable"
Sand Whist would you two poor boys
do without me?" was the gizl's next anx-
ious thought. "Who would see to your
meals, your socks, your clothes, and all
that gort Of thing?"
$50 escape this horrible marriage,
which Is always thrust upon me, would
do anything, dear DR.. Brendon," said
Melanie, when she appealed to the rector;
"aDvthing to preserve my-my truth to
Montague, and save Reggie from al in
suit that is enough TO make our parents
bones turn in their graves. I have not
been taught to do any useful thing. l
might be e lady's maid, but who would
take me?"
SAY, who, indeed?" snarled Uncle
Grimshaw. "However, if you do not
meet nv views and Sir Brisco's generous
offers, Reggie goes straight to hospital,
Dick IN some capacity to the city, and
then shall be rid of you ALL"
And Uncle Grimshaw turned away as if
be felt what someone terms "all the calm
comfort resulting from undisturbed graft
1cation and an approving conscience"
81 can surely be telegraphis5, if
learn" said poor Melanie, scarcely know
ing what she talked about; "or something
or other, If alter my hair, do away with
my fringe, and wear alpaca"
"Why so number" asked Reggie.
because goyernessing, fear, is out
OF the question with such as am nova
days. sm not Girton girl, and have
neither medals nor certificates"
"Nonsense, Meianle; you must not
speak thus" said the Iuckless Reggie,
while his heart sWelled with many pain
full emotions. "Chained here-chsined
and helpless-aiter all; and ell hope to
be!'' mosned Reggie, almost wringing his
wasted hands, while glare short from
his unnaturally bright eyes.
"When Montague comes home, it may
be too late to do what wish for you,
darling Reggie" said his sister, as she
seated herself on a hassock by his couch
and tWinad her arms round him; $50,
meantime, something must De done. l
shall get situation as ompanion per-
haps, though, OF conrse, Aunt Chilling
ton won't assist ne; and then get an
other doctor for you. Fifty pounds or so
will procure better advice than ever
Uncle Grimshaw has had; and, mean
while, no time shall be lost. may bring
some sunshine into your life yet,
Reggie"
He smiled fondly and sadly.
"My dearest Melanie, cannot think OF
your STOPPING to toll and humiliation for
me-"
"But think of that threatened other
degredstion-3 hospital for you, my
brave brother; Talbot, too"
"Who will help your plans-not uncle,
not Aunt Chillington?" said Reggie,
YEARLY.
"Oi course not; but shall ask every
one know to aid me-" replied Melsnie,
cheerfullY. There was kind OF relief in
talking about it. "Good Mrs. Brendon,
I am sure, will do her utmost"
''It is q beastly shame, your having
even to think about it," said Dick; "but
wherever you go, Melanie, hope you.
will be treated as lady"
"Of course I shall be treated SIS q
LADY," replied poor innocent MeIgnie,
when people know whist my
object is"